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Herbert Kretzmer: English Journalist and Lyricist Best Known for Les Misérables

Herbert Kretzmer (1925–2020) was a South African–born English journalist and lyricist, famed for creating the English lyrics for Les Misérables and for his collaborations with Charles Aznavour.

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Overview

Herbert Kretzmer (5 October 1925 – 14 October 2020) was a South African–born writer who made his career in Britain as a journalist, editor and lyricist. He is most widely remembered for producing the English-language lyrics for the stage musical Les Misérables, transforming the original French score into a version that achieved international success. His work bridged journalism and popular songwriting and brought him broad public recognition.

Career and notable works

Kretzmer began his professional life in journalism and later moved into writing for radio, television and popular music. His best-known achievement is the English adaptation of Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil's Les Misérables, in which he supplied new English lyrics that preserved the emotional core of the original French libretto while making the songs singable and resonant for English-speaking audiences. Several of the musical's signature numbers—performed worldwide in countless productions—became closely associated with Kretzmer's lyrical voice.

Collaborations and other songs

Beyond Les Misérables, Kretzmer collaborated with international performers and songwriters. He worked with the French singer and songwriter Charles Aznavour, providing English-language versions or adaptations of songs that helped introduce Aznavour's work to Anglophone listeners. Kretzmer also wrote or adapted lyrics for film and television projects; one of his later compositions, "Suddenly," was written for the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables and received major awards recognition.

Style and impact

Kretzmer's approach combined sensitivity to the original material with a practical lyricist's ear for rhyme, meter and singability. His translations and adaptations are often cited as examples of how to balance fidelity to meaning with the demands of musical performance. The international success of the English Les Misérables helped shape modern musical theatre by demonstrating the global commercial and artistic potential of translated works.

Honors, recognition and legacy

During his lifetime Kretzmer received official honors and industry recognition for his contributions to music and culture. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He was nominated for major awards for his film song work, and his lyrics continue to be performed and recorded. Critics and practitioners alike note his skill in converting complex narratives and emotions into concise, singable English phrases.

Life and death

Born in South Africa, Kretzmer settled in Britain where he built his career in newspapers, broadcasting and musical theatre. He remained active in writing and collaboration well into later life. Herbert Kretzmer died in London on 14 October 2020 at the age of 95 from complications related to Parkinson's disease. His translations and lyrics remain a central part of the repertoire for one of the most performed musicals in history.

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AlegsaOnline.com Herbert Kretzmer: English Journalist and Lyricist Best Known for Les Misérables

URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/120585

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